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Reports in Italy claim Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is close to joining Roma after the two clubs reached a compromise over his valuation.

The 28-year-old has been at the Emirates for five years after moving from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016. The Switzerland international has made 220 appearances in all competitions but it seems his days at the club are now numbered. Roma have been linked with the combative schemer since Jose Mourinho was announced as their new manager.

And the Portuguese tactician has not let up in his pursuit of the player. It was reported earlier this week that personal terms had been agreed.

The Eternal City club will offer Xhaka a four-year contract. All that was left was for the clubs to agree on a price.

And Calciomercato.com feel that hurdle has now been overcome and he will move to Italy for €15m plus €2.5m in bonuses. That is a compromise as Roma’s initial offer was said to be €10m while the north London outfit wanted €20m.

There are just ‘details’ to complete and the former Basel ace will then move to the Stadio Olimpico.

Mourinho sticking to type with Xhaka capture

Mourinho is known as a coach who likes to work from a safety first perspective. It has angered fans at some clubs and it was clear he did not fit the Manchester United or Tottenham way of thinking.

And already it appears as though the former Chelsea chief is looking to stiffen the Roma midfield. Xhaka is a player who is not afraid to get his foot stuck in while he is no stranger to the referee’s notebook.

Mourinho knows what he will be getting having seen the Swiss star at close quarters in the Premier League. The man with 98 caps divided opinion among the Emirates faithful.

And he appeared to close the door on his north London future when speaking to the press during Euro 2020.

“Arsenal know what I want to do,” he told reporters. “Football is a team sport and you’re only as good as your team.

“Of course, it was a good year for me personally. I’ve always played and performed. But the place at the end of the season is, of course, really bitter and disappointing for us.”

Mikel Arteta is trying to knit together the pieces of a squad capable of challenging the Premier League big boys. There will be no European football for the Spaniard to worry about.

But if that is still the case at the start of 2022-2023, he will be extremely concerned.

READ MORE: Arsenal target England man after Dortmund snub Chelsea over Haaland

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